The Grand Tour of Eastern Sicily
8 Nights - 9 Days: May 3 & 11


Challenging rides and hiking reveal the historic intrigues and proud passions of bewitching Eastern Sicily. We'll view perfectly preserved Greek temples, taste flamboyant specialties, experience local traditions and visit the "Seven Sisters" the heavenly Aeolian Islands.

Highlights

  • Ascent up Mt. Etna, Italy's only active volcano
  • Visits to Greek ruins and a vast archaeological park
  • Local flair: an expert Sicilian guide and a delicious Sicilian feast
  • Three days on exotic volcanic islands
  • Boat ride to desolate turquoise coves
  • Photo Gallery & Destination Information:
    Mt Etna  |  Siracusa  |  Taormina


    Itinerary

    Day 1: Siracusa (2.5km)
    Group arrival at Catania airport. Meet and greet with our Sicilian tour leader and transfer (approx at noon) by private van to Syracuse. Accommodation at the hotel. On your first spin, discover Siracusa, one of the most important Greek colonies, and a cultural and political center for thousands of years. Visit the ancient Neapolis, the archaeological park where all the Greek remains are well preserved. Bike testing in the historical centre of Ortigia. Welcome dinner at a typical Sicilian restaurant. (D) (2.5km)
    Day 2: Siracusa - Noto (80km)
    We'll bike an archaeological reserve and nature site riding along the coast through historic towns, a brief visit of Noto the capital of the Baroque-style district and enjoying the natural beauty of southern Sicily. (B, D)
    Day 3: Ragusa (70km)
    Roll through the remote sheep-herding district of Altopiano Ibleo, to reach the modern province of Ragusa. Visit Ragusa Ibla, the old centre of the town, built on a quarry after the 1693 earthquake. An afternoon of leisure at an historic hotel will relax your muscles after the first full day on the bike. (B, D)
    Day 4: Ragusa - Caltagirone (75km)
    Settled by the Greeks, Caltagirone is known for its azulejos (Spanish style glazed tiles). Explore the mansions and spacious squares of this charming town, and climb La Scala, the magnificent stairway. Accommodation at the hotel and dinner. (B, D)
    Day 5: Morgantina - Catania (75km)
    Enjoy a panoramic ride over undulating hills to Morgantina, and stroll the extensive excavations of one of the world's best-preserved Greek cities. Proceed to Catania/Acireale area and accommodation at the hotel and dinner. (B, D)
    Day 6: Catania - Mt. Etna - Taormina
    Visit Catania with its lively fish market and beautiful historical centre. Then, hike up Mt. Etna to see the volcano and absorb the magnificent views. Proceed by van to Taormina and visit the magnificent Greek Theatre. Accommodation at the hotel and dinner. (B, D)
    Day 7: Taormina - Lipari (25km)
    Transfer by van to Milazzo port and by hydrofoil to Lipari, one of the seven sisters of "the Aeolian Islands" Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli & Vulcano. Visit the island by bike to view its deep caverns, steep cliffs, and magnificent beaches. Spend the afternoon strolling around the island, and visit the archaeological museum and local shops. Accommodation & dinner at the hotel. (B, D)
    Day 8: Salina - Lipari (21km)
    Relax on a private boat ride to Salina. Explore Salina's beauty and ancient history by bike. Malvasia wine tasting and local specialties for lunch. Return by boat to Lipari with arrival at the Catania airport at noon..
    Day 9: Lipari - Catania
    We leave Lipari in the morning, and escort you back to the Catania airport.

    Travel Features:

  • Accommodations: First class
  • Ability: Intermediate
  • Terrain: Rolling
  • Distance: 29 Average
  • Arrive & Depart: Catania
  • LocationHotel
    (Hotels may change to equivalent accommodations prior to tour)
    Siracusa Hotel Roma 4*
    Noto Hotel Villa Favorita 3*
    Ragusa Locanda Don Serafino 3*
    Caltagirone Hotel Villa San Mauro 3*
    Cantania-Acireale Santa Caterina Hotel 4*
    Taormina Hotel Vello d'Oro 4*
    Lipari Hotel Arciduca 4*

    Possible Stop-over Hotels (Albergo) in Catania Pre or Post Tour
    David's Note: I've stayed in this area previously (Hotel Duomo) and it's centrally located with quite a few reasonably priced hotels. Many of the cyclists are staying at the Albergo Moderno where English is spoken.
    View Map of Piazza Duomo area.
    Hotel Moderno***
    Hotel Savona***
    Hotel Duomo***
    Hotel Biscari**
    Hotel Bellini
    Hotel Corona - No Website

    Land Only Price May 3 or May 11 Single Supplement
    Alumni/Group** $3390 CAD $475 CAD
    Non-Alumni/Group $3550 CAD $550 CAD
    **Alumni/Group: Participant in any previous MacQueen's/WoWCuba Cycle Tour or group of 6 or more

    430 Queen Street, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4E8 Toll Free: 1-800-969-2822 Phone: 902-368-2453 Fax: 902-894-4547 E-Mail: david@macqueens.com